Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac headlined the Villar Foundation’s 14th OFW & Family Summit, delivering a powerful message of hope and outlining the agency’s comprehensive support framework aimed at empowering Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and ensuring their long-term financial stability.
Held under the resonant theme, “OFW na kay Galing, Kabuhayan ay Palaguin para sa Familia Natin” (Very Talented OFW, Let’s Grow Livelihood for Our Family), the summit focused on transforming the hard-earned resources and skills of returning workers into profitable, sustainable ventures in the Philippines.
Secretary Cacdac emphasized that the DMW’s expanded services are a direct response to the call of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize the welfare of OFWs—the country’s modern-day heroes—at every stage of their journey.
The Secretary detailed the comprehensive scope of the agency’s support programs, highlighting that the DMW’s mission goes beyond mere job placement to focus heavily on holistic reintegration.
Key programs highlighted include:
- Medical and Wellness Assistance: Immediate and continuous medical assistance not only for OFWs while abroad but also for their dependent family members back home, ensuring health security.
- Enhanced Reintegration Services: Comprehensive programs designed to facilitate a smooth return and transition to civilian life, addressing psychological and social adjustments alongside economic planning.
- Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Support: Robust programs offering training, seed capital assistance, and crucial linkages with financial institutions and government partners to help OFWs launch and manage their own small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“Our OFWs represent the best of the Filipino spirit—talented, dedicated, and resilient. Our challenge, and our sacred duty as a Department, is to ensure that their sacrifices translate into a stable, thriving future here in the Philippines,” Secretary Cacdac stated. “The livelihood and reintegration tools we are providing today are not just grants; they are investments in the future of the Filipino family, built on the solid foundation of their global experience.”
The 14th OFW & Family Summit served as a crucial platform for the DMW to directly connect with thousands of families, reinforcing the government’s commitment to providing tangible, accessible support that truly safeguards the welfare and maximizes the economic contributions of the Filipino migrant community.
